Does Apple Watch Have GPS for Hiking?

Apple Watch

Most people probably wouldn’t think that you could hike with your Apple Watch, but in reality, it’s actually quite easy. For example, there are companies like Fitbit and Garmin that have created devices specifically for outdoor activities like hiking.

These devices feature built-in GPS so you can easily track your location with Google Maps or Apple Maps from your watch. If you’re going on a hike or any other type of outdoor activity where getting accurate GPS is extremely important, then an Apple Watch device is the way to go!

With GPS enabled, you can track your location while hiking with a watch that doesn’t even need to be connected to an iPhone (although we recommend keeping your phone handy). It is worth noting that third-party mapping apps can be used to find points of interest and trailheads along your routes, this way, you know where you are at all times. 

Does the Apple Watch Have GPS for Hiking?

GPS is a system that uses signals from satellites to track the position of a person or object. GPS means global positioning system. Every device created nowadays comes with its own GPS for tracking and positioning. 

The apple watch was first released in 2015 by apple, it was created as a fashion accessory that complements other apple products. It contains features like internet connectivity, voice control and fitness tracking. It is basically a mini iPhone. 

It has its own GPS system that it uses to track your daily movement. It also uses GPS to calculate how fast you move and how many steps you’ve taken.

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What is GPS and How Does it Work?

Gone are those days that if you get lost, you will be doomed if there is no one to ask directions from. Or back in the days when people used stars for positioning and guidance.

However, in this present century, if you get lost without anyone around you to ask guidance from. There is no need to panic, we’ve got GPS. So what is GPS?

GPS or the global positioning system is a navigational system that uses the satellite to provide location and time synchronization. The Global positioning system was created by the United state Government.

There are three components necessary for the GPS to work.

  • Space Segment: This consists of the space element. The space segment consists of more than 30 satellites that orbit around the earth at a height of 20,000 kilometres. These satellites contain very accurate times that are accurate to one billionth of a second. In addition to being synced to one another, they are also connected with ground clocks. These satellites emit signals that receivers pick.
  • Ground segment: This is also the control unit. It is responsible for the proper functions of the satellites and the entire GPS system. It consists of one master control station, and an alternate master control station (backup). It has about 15 monitoring sites and numerous control antennas.
  • Receivers: these are mostly electronic devices used in capturing the signals the satellites emit. There are millions of receivers, in fact, regular smartphones have tiny receivers in them.

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How Does GPS Work?

Any GPS receiver (e.g. your smartphone) is constantly receiving signals from at least four satellites at any given instant. Each of these satellites sends a signal that contains information about the location of the satellite and the time when the satellite was when it transmitted the signal. This signal is then received by your phone, which converts the information embedded in the signal to calculate its distance from each of the four satellites by using a formula.

The distance between your phone and the satellite is calculated. The same process is reversed to pinpoint the distance between your smartphones from three other satellites.

Using the GPS receiver (i.e. your smartphone) to calculate how far it is from these satellites, it can then determine its precise location on Earth and show it on the screen in the form of coordinates involving latitude and longitude.

Although the distance is calculated among at least four satellites, the receiver only uses the distances from at least three other satellites to pinpoint the location; the fourth is only used to confirm the results gotten from the first three.

Although there are obviously innumerable applications of GPS that we cannot live without, the most important is the fact that, if not for GPS, we would still be getting lost every time we went out.

How Can I Use Apple Watch For Hiking?

The GPS is very important when hiking. You can use the Apple Watch to plot your position on a map and set a track line to see if you are on the trail, off the trail, or where to turn to a Junction.

You need to install a hiking app to supplement the trail mapping, the GPS will track your position regardless of how you record your hike. The GPS performs well with an apple smartwatch Unlike an oriamo smartwatch, in which you can’t pick and choose which positioning systems you can use. Its GPS is non-existent.

And also, the heart rate monitor is great for tracking your fitness burn and effort level during a hike. The recent Apple Watches have a new feature that allows you to get an altitude without GPS.

Which iPhones Have GPS in Apple Watch?

All iPhones have tiny GPS in them, and also all Apple watches ever produced contain GPS. Every smart device produced in this century has GPS in them.

How Can I Use GPS On Apple Watch 5?

When paired with the right app and configured properly, your Apple Watch can let you stay connected to the world even when you’re away from a computer or your smartphone. Here are some tips on using GPS on the Apple Watch:

I. Just Turn It On

Whether you’re still using a Palm Pilot or an iPhone, GPS is a crucial part of modern navigation. It tells you your location, and it lets you see where you’ve been. If you’re not using it, you won’t get much use out of your Apple Watch.

Put it on your wrist, and you’ll get accurate location information whenever you’re outside. It only takes a few seconds for the Apple Watch to turn on and sync with the GPS.

And it only takes a few seconds for it to register a change in location. That means, if you’re on the move, you’ll be able to see where you’ve been and where you’re going without having to pull out your phone.

II. Set Up Your Apple Watch for GPS

After you set up the GPS on your Apple Watch, you’ll have to pair it with an iPhone. There are a few ways to do this. You can use the built-in Bluetooth on your Apple Watch, connect it to a paired phone with a cable to ensure it’s always on and receive updates from your Apple Watch, or pair your Apple Watch with a digital watch device that supports Bluetooth. Once your Apple Watch is paired, you can use it as a remote control for your iPhone.

III. Use the Maps App

The Apple Watch uses the built-in Maps app to provide you with real-time information about your location. Whenever you take a step, the Maps app will give you an update about your location and current situation. If you don’t have the Maps app installed on your iPhone, you can use the web version instead. Go to the Apple Watch app and select “Find Nearby Locations.”

From there, you can choose a city, postcode or address. From there, you can view recent journey information, including travel time and distance, traffic conditions and more. If you decide to use the web version of Maps, be sure to use your Apple Watch’s built-in GPS to help you stay connected with the world around you

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Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have GPS?

The Apple Watch Series 5 has GPS, which means it has a built-in digital compass and a GPS receiver for tracking your location. This makes the Apple Watch an excellent choice for outdoor sports enthusiasts as well as hikers and campers who like to keep track of their schedules, weather forecasts, and activities.

You can even use the Apple Watch to control your home automation system with Siri. So before you buy an Apple Watch Series 5, make sure that it has GPS. If you’re looking at buying a new Apple Watch right now, you might be interested in the Series 5 rather than the original model due to its updated processor, updated display with more meaningful notifications, and added fitness tracking features.

The Series 5 also comes in four different configurations: white Sport, gold Sport with a ceramic case, stainless steel Series 5 with a ceramic case, and rose gold Series 5 with a ceramic case. All models have the same optical resolution of 1.3 megapixels and various sensors including an accelerometer and gyroscope for orientation tracking.

The differences between models are in their display sizes, battery life, storage space (SD or eMMC), memory (SD or eMMC), processor (Apple A19 vs APL18), camera resolution (DSC or 2 MP), storage space (16 or 32 GB), connectivity (W1C or Wi-Fi + Cellular vs IP or 4G LTE + Cellular), warranty length (three years vs two years), and price point ($349 to $1099.

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Conclusion

To hike accurately and know the distance you covered while hiking you need a device that accurately calculates and pinpoints your location. It also checks your heartbeat for health reasons. 

Apple smartwatches possess these features and more. However, there are other smartwatch brands that also have this feature. So do your personal research before getting a smartwatch.

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Written by Jane Miller

I'm Nomadic Jane, a digital nomad and travel blogger. Since 2009, I've been traveling the world and exploring cultures through my travel blog.